This was certainly a fun chest to make. Pictured below is a personalized version of our Military Retirement Chest. This version includes a single 3×5′ flag display on the lid. Perfect to present with an American flag, or a component (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, etc.) flag.
We added cork behind black felt on the lid so the recipient can add medals, pins, badges and more right next to the flag. The entire piece will then be closed with behind plexiglass. The chest was made from solid Pine, and measured 24 x 12-3/4 x 11-3/4″ inches tall. The box was stained in a dark stain (walnut).
We closed the matching (dark walnut) shadowbox with plexiglass – as it provides great strength during shipping and storage.
On the outside, we added an expanded view of the world map, and tacked (black tacks) at each location the service member and their family were stationed. Under the tack we used a contrasting color (yellow dot) so you can easily see the tacks. This is similar to pinning the locations on a map. We then added gold accents such as the corners, hinges and latches.
As a lid support – to hold the lid open – we added a repurposed leather strap and tacked it in place with gold tacks.
How would you personalize yours?